Be a Rushing Stream
“The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.” — Proverbs 18:4
Two Very Different Pictures
When Proverbs 18:4 compares our words to deep waters or a rushing stream, it’s inviting us to visualize two drastically different environments.
Deep waters are still, heavy, and difficult to navigate. They can hide dangers below the surface, and they rarely offer refreshment. Spiritually speaking, words like deep waters may be hard to read, full of hidden motives, or slow to bring clarity. They can be intimidating—like standing on the shore of a vast, dark lake unsure of what lies beneath.
A rushing stream, on the other hand, is clear, moving, and life-giving. It sparkles in the sunlight, invites you closer, and offers cool refreshment to the thirsty. It doesn’t hide its contents—the water is transparent, and its motion carries away debris. In Scripture, a rushing stream often symbolizes abundance, renewal, and the outflow of God’s Spirit.
The question this Proverb poses to us is simple but searching: When you speak, which picture do your words resemble?
Why the Difference Matters
Words like deep waters may look impressive on the surface but fail to offer life. They can leave people feeling uncertain, drained, or weighed down. But words like a rushing stream are rich in wisdom and encouragement, leaving others refreshed and renewed.
The difference comes down to the source. Streams flow because they are fed continually by something greater—springs, rainfall, or melting snow. In the same way, our words become rushing streams when they are fed continually by God’s truth, prayer, and time in His presence.
Our Hearts Shape Our Words
Jesus taught in Luke 6:45, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” If our hearts are full of pride, bitterness, or fear, our words will reflect that—murky, stagnant, and possibly harmful. But if our hearts are full of God’s wisdom, love, and peace, our words will overflow with life and hope.
Wisdom doesn’t happen by accident—it grows as we dwell in God’s Word, listen for His Spirit, and take time to think before we speak. This is how we shift from speaking like deep waters to speaking like a rushing stream.
Walk It Out
Before speaking—whether in conversation, by text, or online—pause and ask: Will this refresh or will it drain? Then choose the words that refresh and build up.
Love in Action
Look for someone today who might be weary. Offer a “rushing stream” moment—a word of encouragement, a sincere compliment, or a Scripture that lifts their eyes to God. Let your words be the drink of water their soul has been waiting for.
